Disney's latest animated film, Strange World, is a retro-futuristic adventure that combines a pulpy science-fiction aesthetic with a heartwarming tale of family and environmentalism. The film follows teenager Ethan Clade as he navigates a world filled with adventure and danger, all while trying to reconnect with his family and protect the planet. Ethan is also obsessed with the collectible card game Primal Outpost, and over the course of the film, he eagerly teaches his grandfather, father, and even his alien companion how to play.
While we don't get to see the ins and outs of Primal Outpost, the filmmakers have said that the game is based on games like Catan and Magic: The Gathering, and that it has actual rules. In fact, according to director Qui Nguyen, "The rules of the game [were] actually secretly the theme of the whole film." As Ethan tries to explain to his grandfather and father that players in Primal Outpost need to carefully examine and search for clues to develop a strategy, they are more interested in attacking creatures and defending outposts, leading to a game that doesn't quite match up to the rules.
Not surprisingly, this serves as a metaphor for the film's overall message about living harmoniously with the environment. As Nguyen explains, "It was a nice trick to have Ethan be able to say, 'Hey, this is what this whole thing is about, living harmoniously with the environment around you.'" Strange World is a fun and engaging adventure that also has an underlying message about the importance of protecting our planet.
Unfortunately, Strange World didn't quite live up to its potential at the box office, earning just $75 million globally. This was a bit of a disappointment considering the film's strong critical reception and the popularity of its overall art design, but you can now catch it streaming on Disney + while we wait for the inevitable release of this card game!
